2026 Awards Submission Deadline
Established in 2005, the ADMEI Awards Program recognizes member excellence in Destination Management Company (DMC) program, component development, and delivery. Submissions in multiple award categories are judged by a team of international industry professionals and the award winners are celebrated annually at the Awards Gala at the conclusion of the ADMEI Annual Conference.
Award Classifications
The ADMEI Awards Program includes three classifications: Achievement, People's Choice, and Recognition with multiple Award Categories within each classification.
- Achievement Awards identify DMCs that excel in Destination Management services for a specific program or event.
- Peoples' Choice Award identifies the public's favorite program or event entry.
- Recognition Awards recognize peers and industry leaders with special acknowledgment for their efforts and leadership.
2026 Entry Instructions & Overview
New in 2026!
Defining "Program" vs. "Event"
In the context of ADMEI’s Awards Program, it’s important to distinguish between an event and a program:
An event refers to a single function or experience within a larger scope—such as a welcome reception, gala dinner, team-building activity, or awards ceremony. It has a specific purpose, location, and timeframe.
A program encompasses a series of coordinated events designed to achieve an overarching goal—such as an incentive trip, multi-day conference, product launch, or corporate retreat. Programs typically span multiple days and involve several distinct events, each contributing to a unified theme or objective.
Best Décor & Design is now divided into two categories: Best Décor & Design (Event) andBest Décor & Design (Program)
Detailed information on categories and rules are included in the Instructions and Overview document.
All programs submitted for the 2026 ADMEI Awards Program must have occurred between 1 September 2024 and 31 August 2025 and taken place in the DMC’s local destination (or virtually).
| Week of 10 August 2025 | Award Entry Site Open |
| 08 September 2025 | Submit entry by midnight EDT and save $50 on Achievement Award Entries! |
| 23 September 2025 | Submission Deadline midnight EDT |
| October 2024 | Judging Period |
| 20 November 2025 | Finalists Notification this week |
| January 2026 | People's Choice Voting (7-day period TBD) |
| 3 March 2026 | ADMEI Awards Gala 2026 Annual Conference Costa Rica Marriott Hacienda Belen |